A man swept out to sea at Waimarama Beach this afternoon has been brought to shore alive.
A family of four were caught in a rip at the Hawke's Bay beach about 3.15pm.
The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter was sent to the scene, where heavy swells and mist were believed to be hampering visibility.
Surfers and others in the water had brought a woman and two children to shore, but the father was initially reported still missing. He has now been brought to shore.
All four are being taken to Hawke's Bay Regional Hospital.
